PAUL ORNDORF (C) VS. RICKY STEAMBOAT

 Before this match was the iconic Flair for the Gold segment where Sting and Davey Boy Smith introduced the world to The Shockmaster. It’s always worth a rewatch before getting to the match.
Ricky Steamboat makes his way out with dragon wings and a torch. Paul Orndorf enters as the fans chant “Paula” at him. Jesse blames Schiavone for starting it before Michael Buffer starts the in-ring introductions.
Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone are on commentary for this match.

 

PAUL ORNDORF © VS. RICKY STEAMBOAT

(WCW Television Championship)

WCW Clash of the Champions 24 (18^th August 1993)

  They lock up, Ricky Steamboat works a headlock and climbs the turnbuckles to bring Orndorf down. Paul Orndorf rolls it into a pin for an early nearfall and they get back to their feet.

  Paul Orndorf sends Steamboat off the ropes to escape the headlock but is knocked down with a shoulder tackle. Ricky Steamboat covers and gets 2 so he goes back to the headlock. Paul Orndorf counters into a top wristlock and tries to force Steamboat to the mat but Steamboat reverses the pressure and is able to go back to the headlock. Paul Orndorf sends Steamboat off the ropes and is knocked down with another shoulder tackle. Paul Orndorf stays on the mat, then ducks out of the way of a flying attack from Steamboat, sending the challenger over the top rope to the walkway. Paul Orndorf lays in the boots to Steamboat on the walkway before bringing him back over into the ring. Orndorf hits an elbow drop from the top turnbuckle and covers, but Steamboat gets his shoulder up. Orndorf keeps trying to pin Steamboat but keeps getting 2 so he goes to the chinlock.

  Ricky Steamboat makes it to his feet, sending Paul Orndorf off the ropes. Ricky Steamboat leapfrogs Orndorf but gets slammed. Paul Orndorf keeps trying to pin Steamboat, but only gets 2. Paul Orndorf goes back to the chinlock. Steamboat gets  to his feet and sends Orndorf off the ropes, Paul Orndorf counters a hip toss into one of his own and pins Steamboat, only getting 2. Paul Orndorf goes back to the chinlock, Ricky Steamboat works to his feet and uses the ropes to break, connecting with right hands to Orndorf’s midsection. Ordorf is sent off the ropes but hits a facebuster on Steamboat for more nearfalls. Paul Orndorf throws Steamboat out of the ring in frustration, kicking at Steamboat’s back from the apron. Ricky Steamboat makes it up to the apron, and sends Paul’s head into the top turnbuckle. Ricky Steamboat hits an overhand chop from the top rope for a nearfall, a right hand gets him another.

  Ricky Steamboat hits the back suplex but hits his own head, so he takes too long to cover and Orndorf gets a shoulder up at 2. Steamboat chops Orndorf in the chest and a double-chop sends Orndorf over to the floor. Jesse complains about a disqualification but Orndorf did it at least once earlier. Ricky Steamboat hits a running plancha over the top rope before getting back in the ring. Paul Orndorf hits a shoulder thrust from the apron and knocks Steamboat down with the right hand. Paul Orndorf dives through the ropes with a splash and covers for 2. Paul Orndorf puts his feet on the ropes and the referee stops the count but he thinks he’s retained. Orndorf walks over to collect the belt. Jesse hands it to him and Steamboat is able to roll Orndorf up 1,2, no! Paul Orndorf sets up a Piledriver, he’s backdropped and Steamboat lands in a Jacknife cover. Paul Orndorf gets his shoulder up at 2, it goes down for another nearfall but he bridges out of it, Ricky Steamboat brings Orndorf down for a backslide and gets 2. Paul Orndorf runs through Steamboat with a clothesline.

   Ricky Steamboat is sent into the corner but Orndorf runs into his boot. Steamboat hits the crossbody but Orndorf rolls through, Steamboat kicks out at 2. Ricky Steamboat counters a slam into a pin for the 3.

WINNER: RICKY STEAMBOAT (NEW WCW Television Champion)

This was a basic match with a lot of pin attempts. I thought I had a Paul Orndorf match already but I now see why I don’t have his WCW run. Ricky Steamboat couldn’t even make this match and it’s Ricky Fucking Steamboat. [*1/2] 2/10

After the match Paul Orndorf hits a Piledriver to Ricky Steamboat on the WCW Television Championship on the walkway.